Filing a small claim online is the quickest way to start legal action. The UK government’s Money Claim Online (MCOL) service allows individuals and businesses to submit claims electronically.
Steps to File a Small Claim Online:
1. Check if your claim qualifies – Must be under £10,000 (England/Wales), £5,000 (Scotland), or £3,000 (Northern Ireland).
2. Create a Government Gateway account – Required for access to MCOL.
3. Complete the claim form (N1 Form for paper applications) – Provide details of the dispute, the amount claimed, and evidence.
4. Pay the court fee – Fees depend on the claim amount and range from £35 to £455.
5. Submit the claim – The court will serve the defendant, who has 14 days to respond.
If the claim is disputed, a court hearing may be required.